Tie Rod End Repair for Maple Ridge

Tie Rod Replacement

In most vehicles, when you turn the steering wheel, your vehicle is utilizing a rack and pinion steering system that uses tie rods to move the wheels.

Tie rods have both an inner and outer end.

When you turn the steering wheel in your vehicle, your tie rod is what is responsible for transmitting force from the steering center link to both push and pull your wheels in the direction you desire.

On both ends of your tire rods are ball joints.

• The inner tie rod end (“inner,” meaning closest to the center of your vehicle) is encased in a steering rack boot which contains grease.
• The outer tie road (attached to the steering knuckle on your wheel) is filled with grease as well and is encapsulated by a smaller rubber boot.

Why Tie Rods are Required

It is important to have your tie rods inspected if you are experiencing any problems.

The most common cause of issues is a rubber boot on either end cracking, letting out grease, and letting in moisture.

As the grease escapes, the metal components inside will be subject to higher friction as well as corrosion from moisture and dirt.

If left long enough, one of your tie rod ends can completely separate and you will lose steering control of your vehicle.

Symptoms

When a tie rod is failing, you will experience an audible rattle, clunk, or knocking noise in the front end and have considerably less control in your steering.

Often times, a tie rod may present no symptoms at all – a technician will often inspect your tie-rods during regular maintenance.

Some other symptoms include:

• Front end misalignment – When a tie rod is loose, it will cause your wheel to fall out of alignment. 
• Uneven tire wear caused by the looseness in a failing tie rod end, making a tire drift to one edge or the other
• Looseness and shaking in your steering wheel, once again caused by the looseness of a failing tie rod end causing a “sway” in your tire as you travel